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The Orchid and The Crow

Humour can be found in the darkest of places – laughter can help provide solace during times of grief, and being able to find something funny about having testicular cancer is probably a very good way to deal with the suffering associated. Daniel Tobias, an Australian Jewish atheist, is highly likeable – the sort of person you would like to meet if you were suffering a same fate. His show at Edinburgh Fringe captures the art of good story telling.

His blend of story telling, rock music and comedy narrative feeds the audience with his experiences of soul-searching during his battle with cancer. “It’s part theatre, part cabaret, part storytelling show about faith, masculinity, sex and identity. There are seven original songs with an eclectic range of styles – rock, musical theatre and contemporary opera. I gave myself the challenge to tell each chapter of my story in the most engaging way that I could think of. I think it’s working”, Daniel told us.

“I can’t imagine not being able to laugh at illness and death. It’s not for everyone, but for me the alternative is unthinkable. Humour is my coping mechanism and I know that it gives many people relief and a way to share stories”. Daniel’s show is from the heart and sincere.

“I can’t stop thinking about a guy that I had a chat with after my show a few days ago. He works as a doctor. He said, “You often forget what it’s like for a patient and your show really made me really understand it in a new way”. For me to hear that alone is worth the price of the airfare from Melbourne. That kind of dialogue is the reason that I wanted to share this story”, he told Candid Magazine. It’s well worth for the visit, and if nothing else you take away from it a sense that laughter in the face of adversity can be the best healer. Four out of five stars from us.

The Orchid and The Crow, by Daniel Tobias, at Assembly Roxy, Edinburgh, until 30th August 2015.